[jaq1967]

Hello...

Question for you all...

You have a choice out of the following 3 Sigma Macro lenses:

Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX and EX DG Macros Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

If you could have one which one would you have and why?

Would be interested in finding out what people think.

Thanks Jaq1967

[photoptimist]

It depends on your macro objectives (pun intended ).

If you want more convenient high-magnification, then pick a short focal length macro lens. For a given amount of extension tubes or bellows, the 50mm gives you more than twice the magnification than the 105 does.

If you need more working distance for skittish critters and more convenient lighting, then pick the longer macro lens.

Finally, some people like macros for portraits or other normal-magnification shots. That might make you gravitate toward one of any of these three depending on whether you use APS-C or FF bodies and whether you prefer a longer working distance to the subject.

[pepperberry farm]

I have the 70mm macro and it is simply stupendous...

you can read my review in the link you posted - there's a couple of minor design issues, but completely outweighed by the stunningly sharp photos...

my flickr album for the 70:

Sigma 70mm f2.8 EX DG Macro | Flickr

[swanlefitte]

The 70 has no aperture ring so not for tubes. I chose this one. I already have 50mm covered so I wanted a new view. It's easier to crop a 70mm then stitch a 105mm so it had more utility to me. I think on apsc >70mm is too long to use inside most rooms except close to macro so again more useful than the 105 when not in macro.

[csa]

I have the 105 and really like it. I use it mainly for insects and flowers.

[vonBaloney]

If you want the *best*, that's the 70. It is just out of the this world. Other than that, just depends on what you shoot -- the other ones are fine macro lenses also. Seems like the 105 is a bit underrated, or less known than it ought to be anyway. (BTW, you can use the 70 with tubes that have contacts, although getting it to work reliably involves some tape -- both conductive and non-conductive.)

[Kozlok]

I made this choice. I bought the 70. It really is a great rendering lens.

[Papa_Joe]

I have the 70 mm. I would have prefered the 150 mm (which is missing in the list) but that was only available with HSM (ultrasonic drive), which was not supported by my ist*D. I think the 100 mm wasn't available when I bought the 70 mm.

All three lenses are excellent macros, no flaws. Thus one has to make his choice by the criterias listed by photoptimist.
I bougth the lens mainly for shooting insects. The 100 mm does not really help to increase the distance if you get into the 1:1 scale. The 150 mm would have been the logical choice. I even entertained the thought of getting a used 200 mm macro.

In every day use the 70 mm proved to be the more versatile lens on APS-C and most insects are quite patient concerning the distance. Also the shorter focal length allows to shoot 100% of the pictures from hand, very convenient when chasing flying insects. All togethter I am quite happy with the 70 mm.

---

Last edited by Papa_Joe; 06-26-2019 at 12:27 AM.

[JensE]

I would have prefered the 150 mm (which is missing in the list) but that was only available with HSM (ultrasonic drive), which was not supported by my ist*D.

Was the 150mm ever made for Pentax? Just looked up the review page: It actually wasn't. The 180mm f/3.5 would be the long option from Sigma, but it doesn't show up on the market very often either. And when, prices are significantly higher than e.g. for Nikon.

[ramseybuckeye]

I have an old Sigma MF 50 macro that I found really cheap, it had the crappy sticky zen coating on the body which caused the focus ring to fuse to the barrel so I had to remove the sticky part but the lens still works beautifully. In short, they will all be good, just choose your length on other uses.

[derekkite]

70mm. Extremely sharp, renders nicely.

[normhead]

I have the 70. Sharp, renders nicely. My favourite portrait lens on APS-c. For my K-1 I've mostly moved on to the DFA 100 macro.

[WPRESTO]

The 50mm is probably best for inside, studio-type set ups.
the 105mm is hands-down the best choice for field macro of insects.
The 70mm, almost immediately after it was introduced and persistently afterwards, has been regarded as the sharpest lens Sigma ever made and a serious contender for sharpest macro from any manufacturer.

[TerryL]

Hello...

Question for you all...

You have a choice out of the following 3 Sigma Macro lenses:

Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Sigma 50mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Sigma 70mm F2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database
Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX DG Macro - Sigma 105mm F2.8 EX and EX DG Macros Lens Reviews - Sigma Lenses - Pentax Lens Review Database

If you could have one which one would you have and why?

Would be interested in finding out what people think.

Thanks Jaq1967

What camera are you using?

[pentax360]

I would go with the 105mm it's got enough working distance for bugs.